Following the Magician's decision to withdraw his candidacy for national team coaching, the association responded: "Thank you to everyone who saw the great privilege of being the national team coach, reached the prestigious position thanks to his skills and a rich and decorated coaching career."

• Berkowitz. The association returns fire

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Members of the selection committee for the coaching position of the Israel national team - Chairman of the Football Association Oren Hasson, Eli Ohana, Eli Cohen, Chairman of the Professional Committee Shino Zoarz - Technical Director Willy Rotensteiner and CEO of the Association Ratam Kemar held their first meeting today (Monday). The committee set two principles for the continuation: the chosen coach will be Israeli, the duration of the first engagement will be the League of Nations, the Euro 2020 playoffs and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with an option to extend.

Ahead of the next meeting, which will be held this coming Wednesday, it has been determined that the technical director will prepare a detailed professional profile regarding the designated national coach and set the goals and objectives to be set before him. The meeting will map out at the next meeting, together with the technical director, the potential candidates and then Rotensteiner will conduct personal interviews with them. At the next stage, Rotensteiner will present his opinion to the committee members, and accordingly, the relevant candidates will be invited for interviews.

Following the decision of Eyal Berkowitz to withdraw his candidacy from the team's coaching and in light of the harsh criticism he expressed yesterday (Sunday) about the existence of the search committee, the association issued a statement stinging the 'magician': "The association wants to emphasize how proud and appreciative Kashtans, Guttmans, Elisha Levy - to everyone who saw the great privilege of coaching the national team, reached the prestigious position thanks to his skills and a rich and decorated coaching career. Without blaming others, without baseless accusations - all out of respect for the national team and association and full faith in the professional integrity of the electorate. "A brave and high-quality player who respected every player and the role of coach of the national team. Your legacy will continue to guide us in selecting the worthy candidates for the Israeli teams."